The renovated 195 Piccadilly headquarters for BAFTA will open in summer 2021 with doubled capacity to support charitable work and emerging talent.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced details of ambitious plans to transform its iconic headquarters at 195 Piccadilly.
Work on the project has already begun, with a projected completion date of summer 2021. The new space will allow BAFTA to double its year-round charitable work to find and support new talent across film, games and television, offer essential support to the industry and ensure that careers in film, games and television are open to all.
“I am passionate about BAFTA’s role in educating, inspiring and celebrating future generations of film-makers. The redevelopment will enable BAFTA to expand this important work.”
Barbara Broccoli, Producer and Vice President for Film at BAFTA
The redevelopment, designed by Benedetti Architects, will double the building’s capacity, install state-of-the-art technology and create an entire floor devoted to BAFTA’s learning and new talent programmes.
The increased space will enable BAFTA to support over 80,000 people to develop a career in the creative industries each year. It will also generate additional income which will be used to expand BAFTA’s learning programmes throughout the UK and globally.
“This is a vital investment in the creative future of film, games and television. We believe that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. A redeveloped 195 Piccadilly will enable us to deliver a greater variety of new talent initiatives, learning events and activity and increase access to our industries.”
Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA,
Donors from across the film, games and television industries, together with individual philanthropists and trusts and foundations, are supporting the new development. It has also received a grant from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund.
Over 70% of the funds have already been raised, and BAFTA is actively fundraising to meet its target of £25 million.
“The work that BAFTA does to support new talent is invaluable. I learnt so much from being a Breakthrough Brit and it has given me an incredible opportunity to build my career. I’ve been able to gain more knowledge about the industry that has helped me to progress.”
Letitia Wright, 2015 BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and EE Rising Star in 2019
BAFTA Piccadilly, next door at 194 Piccadilly, will be BAFTA’s temporary home while the works are being completed. For the first time BAFTA’s home will be open to the public, providing an exhibition space to discover more about the craft of BAFTA winners and nominees as well as a café, with an additional space for BAFTA members.
Further details on the public opening of BAFTA Piccadilly available at www.baftapiccadilly.co.uk .
